Aug 25, 2008

Stars aligned, weather cooperated for Menlo Charity Horse Show

By Janet Duca Norton / Society Columnist

The 37th annual Menlo Charity Horse Show, a benefit for Palo Alto-based Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, was a "smooth show," with temperatures averaging 80 degrees. It was perfect for the spectators, shoppers and, most importantly, the 700 nationally ranked riders and their horses, competing in Olympic-style jumping every day from Aug. 5 through 10 at Atherton's Menlo Circus Club.

"Never underestimate the power of weather," said event co-chairman Steve Goldenberg. "Good weather makes a good show."

Instead of performing her traditional role as show coordinator, Betsy Glikbarg shared responsibilities with five other co-chairs, including Suzanne Jain, Suzanne Rischman, Wendy Harries, Linda Salvador and Goldenberg.

"I attribute the long-term success of this show to the tremendous ongoing support we receive from the members of this committee, the community, our sponsors and the exhibitors," said Glikbarg. "We are extremely grateful to each and every one. Last year the show raised $470,000 for the Vista Center."

Every year the show salutes its sponsors with a dinner gala. The Aug. 8 sold-out "Show Time" dinner party attracted 400 guests. Dinner chairwoman Nancy Collins and her committee presented a blue-ribbon event that featured the Ryman Memorial Speed Jumping competition and an elegant dinner in the clubhouse with a silent and live auction.

Gifted designer Joann Holder made her debut as decorations chairwoman. Along with her talented assistant Kris Forbes, Holder created the beautiful yellow-and-white tent decor featuring a fabric-draped ceiling. Holder recruited an all-women crew and built (with her own hands) the latticework around the jumper ring in addition to a new winners circle.

Karl Cook of Woodside won the Ryman Memorial trophy and $10,000 Maple Leaf Farm prize for the second consecutive year. Guests applauding his win included Four Seasons Silicon Valley general manager Tracy Mercer, Vista Center executive director Pam Brandin, Juno and Peter Szalay, Nicole and Raymond Neal, Catherine and Jim Hannay, Lauren and Rheta Cole, Nan and Ron Chapman and retired ABC 7 weatherman Joel Bartlett.

Auctioneer and Teira Wines vintner Daniel Donahoe (who shared auctioneer duties with Fritz Hatton at Vintage Affaire, the Vista Center's other major benefit held in July) had fun driving bidding on luxury items, including a trip to anywhere in the world on a Sentient Group private jet, a trip to the El Dorado Golf and Beach Club in Cabo San Lucas, an Audi fantasy trip donated by sponsor Audi of America/Rector Motor Car Co. of Burlingame, and his and her Jaeger-LeCoultre watches donated by Shreve & Co. Auction chairwoman Catherine Larsen was thrilled the auction raised $95,000 for the Vista Center.

Retiring Atherton City Council member Jim Janz and his wife Elizabeth won a set of golf lessons at Stanford University Golf Course from the silent auction. It looks like Jim is planning on having some spare time.

The horse show attracted 98 sponsors, a record number, including diamond sponsors Anne Faye Barry of Summerhouse Farm, Allied Waste Services and ABC 7/KGO TV (a segment on the horse show was presented three weeks before its opening).

Several sponsors have a direct connection to the show, including committee member Pat Hitchcock O'Connell, who once again spearheaded Alfred Hitchcock Day, named after her famous film director father.

Shreve & Co. joined the sponsor ranks on the grass field debuting its signature jump alongside returning sponsors' jumps, including Flury Bryant Design Group's house-styled creation, Graniterock's stone wall, Bloomingdale's brown bags, Tiffany & Co.'s blue-and-white gift boxes, and the Neiman Marcus shopping bag jump, restyled to coincide with its current butterfly advertising theme.

Several Peninsula equestrians were sponsors and trophy winners. Kathy and Alex Mendez donated the Maple Leaf Farm jump and prize (which they have done for five years), and Kathy, riding her horse Privilege, was the champion rider in the adult amateur class. Executive committee member, sponsor and rider Catherine Harvey of Rhys Vineyards was thrilled to win the NorCal Senior Hunter Jumper Medal while riding her horse Candetto. Stacy and Tom Siebel sponsored the patrons tent, and Stacy, riding her horse Natsu, took first place in her age group for the amateur jumper class.

The $40,000 Grand Prix on Aug. 9 was the largest prize. Laura Hite of Coto De Caza not only beat 26 other competitors, but competed for the first time in a Grand Prix - what a night.

Every year the Vista Center provides services to 2,000 clients and families in San Mateo, Santa Clara, San Benito and Santa Cruz Counties. The center's multifaceted programs help individuals with vision loss achieve independence and improve their quality of life.

E-mail Janet Duca Norton at society@paloaltodailynews.com.